General News

Franco's university officials disappointed at former lecturer's public lawsuit

By:
WENN.com Source

Dec 20, 2011 | 4:00am EST

Jose Angel Santana, who taught the Spider-Man actor a filmmaking class, claims he was unfairly dismissed from his teaching job at the Manhattan university soon after handing Oscar nominee Franco a 'D' grade for missing 12 out of 14 of his Directing the Actor classes.

In legal papers obtained by TMZ.com, Santana further alleges that Franco made "several public disparaging and inaccurate statements" about his professor after claiming he had received the poor grade for an acting class.

The court documents state: "The resulting publicity ridiculed Dr Santana allegedly for giving an award-winning actor a 'D' in acting, even though the 'D' was actually in directing actors, and for abhorrent attendance."

The 58 year old is also alleging he suffered from "discrimination and harassment based upon race and color".

NYU bosses have yet to read the lawsuit allegations, but they have expressed their disdain at Santana's decision to go public with the fall-out as he attempts to win his job back.

Addressing the legal action in a statement, school officials say: "It is regrettable and disappointing to see a faculty member - former or otherwise - discuss any student's grade for the purpose of his or her personal publicity."